Constituent Resource Page: Weather Emergencies

**Find your local emergency management agency here: http://www.emd.wa.gov/myn/myn_contact_info.shtml**

If you are having trouble getting your questions answered or are not able to find the information you need below, please contact one of Senator Maria Cantwell’s regional offices where staff will be able to assist you.

If you are having trouble identifying the right agency to contact after a storm or flood, or obtaining assistance from a federal agency after a natural disaster, please contact one of Senator Maria Cantwell’s regional offices where staff will be able to provide more information about support services and assist you through the application process.

Latest Information on Weather Emergencies
Preparedness and Safety for Winter Storms
Driving in the Snow
Safety and Prevention
Flood Insurance
Assistance After a Flood

Latest Information on Weather Emergencies

There are a number of resources available that provide information about weather-related warnings and emergencies to ensure your family, home or business is better prepared for an emergency.

National Weather Service: You can find your local forecast through the National Weather Service’s Washington state webpage. This information is updated every few minutes with the latest weather watches, warnings and advisories for every county in Washington state. The National Weather Service utilizes radar and satellite observations to provide weather forecasts for Washington and the entire United States.

Washington State Emergency Management Division: In the event of an emergency the Washington State Emergency Management Division is responsible for coordinating the state’s response and also works with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to deploy resources. The department also provides up-to-date alerts and announcements on weather events for the public.

The Washington State Emergency Management Department has individual websites on disaster preparedness:

When a natural disaster occurs, you can use the Emergency Management Division’s website to find contact information for local emergency management agencies that serve that county that you live in.

Preparedness and Safety for Winter Storms

The primary concern for a winter storm is the possible loss of heat, power and communication services to your home or region for several days. To prepare for this scenario, it is important to consider taking the following steps:

Build an emergency supply kit that includes rock salt to melt ice on walkways, sand to improve traction, snow shovels, heating fuel (such as wood), and adequate clothing and blankets to keep warm
Listen or watch local news channels for information from the National Weather Service
During a winter storm, stay indoors and minimize travel. If it is absolutely necessary to travel, dress warmly, keep dry and watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia
If you are stranded in a vehicle during a storm, pull off the highway, turn on your hazard lights and remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see shelter close by. Run the engine and heater periodically to keep warm, and be sure to keep the exhaust pipe clear to protect from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
After a winter storm, go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power or heat. You can text SHELTER + your zip code to 43362 to find the nearest shelter in your area
Visit this FEMA website for more information: http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

Driving in the Snow

If you must drive in the snow, it is important to take certain precautionary measures and be aware of the following:

Carry A Winter Emergency Kit
This can save your life (or, simply make an unexpected delay a little easier.) Your basic car emergency kit should include water and food; flashlights and batteries; first aid kit; boots, hat, gloves, rain poncho; blanket; basic tool kit and spare tire; paper, pen, insurance card, cell phone charger, list of important phone numbers, car manual; and plastic garbage bags and paper towels.

Clean Off The Snow
Before you start driving, be sure to clean the snow off all your windows and rearview mirrors. Don’t forget to clean off your headlights and taillights. Even if they don’t make a difference in visibility to you, other drivers will be able to see you better.
Have Plenty of Gas
As a rule of thumb, don’t let your gas tank drop below half-full in winter, and fill up often. You never know what delays or detours you may encounter on your route. Having plenty of gas will also help if you get stuck and need to run the engine periodically to stay warm. If you do run the engine while inside your vehicle, be sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow or debris in order to protect yourself from monoxide poisoning.
Leave Lots of Room
Braking distances triple in icy and snowy conditions, so be sure to leave lots of space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Reacting to Skidding
If you find yourself skidding, take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want to go. That may mean you need to steer into the skid, which may seem counter-intuitive. Resist the urge to brake while skidding, and focus on regaining traction.
Use Low Gears & Avoid Cruise Control and Overdrive
Using low gears can help improve traction, especially on hills. Do not use cruise control and avoid overdrive on icy and snow-covered roads.
Brake with Care
Brake gently to avoid skidding and pump the brakes to keep wheels from locking up. However, if your car has ABS, do not pump the brakes but instead apply steady pressure. Antilock brakes will automatically pulse (you will hear it when applying the brakes), which is normal.
Beware of Bridges and Overpasses
Bridges and overpasses are more exposed to wind, weather and cold temperatures, so they tend to ice over first. Slow down and be prepared as you approach bridges or exposed stretches of road. Don’t forget that infrequently traveled roads freeze over more quickly than heavily traveled highways.
Know How To Get Out If You’re Stuck
If you’re stuck, avoid spinning your wheels. Doing so will dig you in deeper. If you can safely get out of your car, check wheels and bottom of the car and clear snow away with your hands or a shovel. Move your wheels from side to side a few times. Consider rocking your car backward and forward, and use a light touch on the gas when the car is in gear. A little sand, gravel or cat litter poured in front of the tires can help provide traction.

Stay Safe In Your Car If You Need To Wait for Help
If you are stuck – whether it’s due to snow, a breakdown, or an accident – opt to stay safely inside your car while you are waiting for help. If you wait near a heavily traveled road, wear your seat belt as you may still get hit by another vehicle.

Do not leave your car, unless you know exactly where you are, where you are going to get help, and how long it’s going to take you. If you leave your car, leave a note with information about where you went and when you left.
Open your window a small crack to allow for air to flow in, and to keep your windows from freezing. Snow and ice can quickly seal a car shut.
Clear and turn on your lights to attract attention.
Remove snow from around and inside your tailpipe. If you are sure the exhaust pipe isn’t blocked, run the engine and heater for 10 minutes every hour to stay warm.

Safety and Prevention

Protecting your family and property before a flood: There are a number of preventative actions you can take to protect your home, family and personal property from a flood.

Heed flood warnings
Develop a family emergency plan and identify flood evacuation routes from home, work and school to safe locations on higher ground
Assemble an emergency supply kit that includes such essentials as drinking water, a first-aid kit, canned food, a radio, flashlight, and blankets
Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water lines
Determine an emergency contact
Store important objects and papers in a safe place to avoid damage
Elevate your home to prevent floodwaters from reaching living areas. There are several methods of elevation that depend largely on your home’s construction, foundation and flood history. You should consult a construction professional to determine the right method for you.
Elevate your electrical system components including circuit breaker boxes, meters and outlets. If they are inundated by water for even a short time, they will have to be replaced. Flooded electrical systems are also at risk for fires caused by short circuits.
Anchor your fuel tank to prevent damage from tanks moved by floodwaters. Unanchored tanks can be driven into walls or swept downstream. A supply line can be torn free, allowing oil to contaminate your basement. Leaking propane is especially dangerous due to its flammable nature.
Floodproof your home by sealing your basement with water resistant compounds
Find out where you can purchase sandbags, or make and store your own
For more information, please visit the FEMA website.

During a flood:

Go to higher ground and avoid areas subject to flooding such as dips, valleys and canyons
Avoid areas that are already flooded and do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Even six inches of water can knock you off your feet.
Never drive through flooded roadways. Two feet of rushing water can sweep a large car off the road.

After a flood:

Check for structural damage before re-entering your home, including downed electrical lines
Remove wet contents immediately. Mold can develop in furniture, bedding and carpeting within 24 to 48 hours.
Clean and disinfect everything that was touched by floodwaters. Throw away food and boil drinking water until authorities have declared tap water safe to drink.

Flood Insurance

Benefits of Flood Insurance: Flooding causes an average of $4.6 billion a year in damages, more than any other severe-weather related event in the United States. Flood losses are not covered by standard homeowner’s insurance policies.

Most homeowner's insurance agents sell flood insurance, and you can find out if your community participates in the program by checking the FEMA Community Status Book for Washington State. The average flood insurance premium costs about $400 a year.

National Flood Insurance Program: Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to help property owners protect themselves financially. The program offers insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners in communities that participate in the program. In exchange for federally-backed flood insurance, participating communities agree to adopt and enforce floodplain management standards. Community participation is voluntary, and to find out if your community participates, please check the FEMA Community Status Book for Washington State.

In addition to providing insurance, the NFIP identifies and maps floodplains throughout the country. This allows the government, business owners, and homeowners to identify risk areas, reduce damages and increase awareness of flood hazards.

If you are a resident of a designated High-Risk Area and you receive a federally-backed mortgage, federal law requires that you purchase flood insurance. Your mortgage lender will notify you if you are in a flood hazard zone that requires you to purchase flood insurance.

Residents of Moderate-to-Low Risk Areas are not required by law to purchase insurance but it is a good idea to consider purchasing flood insurance, and a private lender may still require it. To determine if you are in a flood zone, you can check your community's Flood Insurance Rate Map at the FEMA Map Service Center. Your lender will notify you if you are buying a home in a High-Risk Area or if FEMA maps are revised to include your property in a High-Risk Area, in which case you would be required to purchase insurance.

NFIP flood insurance can be purchased through property insurance agents through over 90 private companies. You cannot purchase insurance directly from the government. Rates are set and do not differ between companies, although there are different types of coverage and the costs vary depending on the property's flood risk.

If you are interested in purchasing a flood insurance policy, contact your homeowner's insurance agent to discuss which kind of coverage is right for you. Typically, there is a 30-day waiting period before your policy goes into effect, which means that you must act to protect your property and family in advance of any flood threat.

If you do not have an agent and would like to obtain more information about flood insurance policies, please visit the NFIP website. You can also contact the NFIP at (888) 379-9531 to request an agent referral.

Assistance After a Flood

Significant federal resources are available to help you in the aftermath of natural disasters. Assistance is administered in the form of direct aid or grants to individuals, families and businesses who have suffered losses that will not be covered by insurance.

If your community experiences a flood, it does not automatically qualify for federal disaster assistance. Local and state governments share the responsibility for protecting their residents. However, if the damages caused by a natural disaster overwhelm local governments, a state governor may request a Presidential Disaster Declaration. Washington has received nine Disaster Declarations since 2001, of which six were related to flooding.

Please keep in mind that federal disaster assistance is intended to be supplemental relief and should never be treated as a replacement for flood insurance. The average disaster award for an individual and household is $4,000, whereas the average flood claim per household is over $30,000. The most common form of disaster assistance is a loan, which must be paid back with interest.

If you are interested in obtaining more information about disaster assistance, you can visit the federal disaster assistance website. By using the tools on this website, such as the disaster assistance questionnaire, you can find out the forms of assistance you may qualify for.


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Maria's E-Newsletter To sign up for Maria's newsletter, enter your email address: Search The Site	Constituent Services Constituent Resource Page: Weather Emergencies Find your local emergency management agency here: http://www.emd.wa.gov/myn/myn_contact_info.shtml** If you are having trouble getting your questions answered or are not able to find the information you need below, please contact one of Senator Maria Cantwell’s regional offices where staff will be able to assist you. If you are having trouble identifying the right agency to contact after a storm or flood, or obtaining assistance from a federal agency after a natural disaster, please contact one of Senator Maria Cantwell’s regional offices where staff will be able to provide more information about support services and assist you through the application process. Latest Information on Weather Emergencies Preparedness and Safety for Winter Storms Driving in the Snow Safety and Prevention Flood Insurance Assistance After a Flood Latest Information on Weather Emergencies There are a number of resources available that provide information about weather-related warnings and emergencies to ensure your family, home or business is better prepared for an emergency. National Weather Service: You can find your local forecast through the National Weather Service’s Washington state webpage. This information is updated every few minutes with the latest weather watches, warnings and advisories for every county in Washington state. The National Weather Service utilizes radar and satellite observations to provide weather forecasts for Washington and the entire United States. Washington State Emergency Management Division: In the event of an emergency the Washington State Emergency Management Division is responsible for coordinating the state’s response and also works with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to deploy resources. The department also provides up-to-date alerts and announcements on weather events for the public. The Washington State Emergency Management Department has individual websites on disaster preparedness: Flood Preparedness Videos Business Disaster Preparedness Neighborhood Disaster Preparedness Disaster Preparedness for Kids When a natural disaster occurs, you can use the Emergency Management Division’s website to find contact information for local emergency management agencies that serve that county that you live in. Preparedness and Safety for Winter Storms The primary concern for a winter storm is the possible loss of heat, power and communication services to your home or region for several days. To prepare for this scenario, it is important to consider taking the following steps: Build an emergency supply kit that includes rock salt to melt ice on walkways, sand to improve traction, snow shovels, heating fuel (such as wood), and adequate clothing and blankets to keep warm Listen or watch local news channels for information from the National Weather Service During a winter storm, stay indoors and minimize travel. If it is absolutely necessary to travel, dress warmly, keep dry and watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia If you are stranded in a vehicle during a storm, pull off the highway, turn on your hazard lights and remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see shelter close by. Run the engine and heater periodically to keep warm, and be sure to keep the exhaust pipe clear to protect from possible carbon monoxide poisoning. After a winter storm, go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power or heat. You can text SHELTER + your zip code to 43362 to find the nearest shelter in your area Visit this FEMA website for more information: http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather Driving in the Snow If you must drive in the snow, it is important to take certain precautionary measures and be aware of the following: Carry A Winter Emergency Kit This can save your life (or, simply make an unexpected delay a little easier.) Your basic car emergency kit should include water and food; flashlights and batteries; first aid kit; boots, hat, gloves, rain poncho; blanket; basic tool kit and spare tire; paper, pen, insurance card, cell phone charger, list of important phone numbers, car manual; and plastic garbage bags and paper towels. Clean Off The Snow Before you start driving, be sure to clean the snow off all your windows and rearview mirrors. Don’t forget to clean off your headlights and taillights. Even if they don’t make a difference in visibility to you, other drivers will be able to see you better. Have Plenty of Gas As a rule of thumb, don’t let your gas tank drop below half-full in winter, and fill up often. You never know what delays or detours you may encounter on your route. Having plenty of gas will also help if you get stuck and need to run the engine periodically to stay warm. If you do run the engine while inside your vehicle, be sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow or debris in order to protect yourself from monoxide poisoning. Leave Lots of Room Braking distances triple in icy and snowy conditions, so be sure to leave lots of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Reacting to Skidding** If you find yourself skidding, take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want to go. That may mean you need to steer into the skid, which may seem counter-intuitive. Resist the urge to brake while skidding, and focus on regaining traction. Use Low Gears & Avoid Cruise Control and Overdrive Using low gears can help improve traction, especially on hills. Do not use cruise control and avoid overdrive on icy and snow-covered roads. Brake with Care Brake gently to avoid skidding and pump the brakes to keep wheels from locking up. However, if your car has ABS, do not pump the brakes but instead apply steady pressure. Antilock brakes will automatically pulse (you will hear it when applying the brakes), which is normal. Beware of Bridges and Overpasses Bridges and overpasses are more exposed to wind, weather and cold temperatures, so they tend to ice over first. Slow down and be prepared as you approach bridges or exposed stretches of road. Don’t forget that infrequently traveled roads freeze over more quickly than heavily traveled highways. Know How To Get Out If You’re Stuck If you’re stuck, avoid spinning your wheels. Doing so will dig you in deeper. If you can safely get out of your car, check wheels and bottom of the car and clear snow away with your hands or a shovel. Move your wheels from side to side a few times. Consider rocking your car backward and forward, and use a light touch on the gas when the car is in gear. A little sand, gravel or cat litter poured in front of the tires can help provide traction. Stay Safe In Your Car If You Need To Wait for Help If you are stuck – whether it’s due to snow, a breakdown, or an accident – opt to stay safely inside your car while you are waiting for help. If you wait near a heavily traveled road, wear your seat belt as you may still get hit by another vehicle. Do not leave your car, unless you know exactly where you are, where you are going to get help, and how long it’s going to take you. If you leave your car, leave a note with information about where you went and when you left. Open your window a small crack to allow for air to flow in, and to keep your windows from freezing. Snow and ice can quickly seal a car shut. Clear and turn on your lights to attract attention. Remove snow from around and inside your tailpipe. If you are sure the exhaust pipe isn’t blocked, run the engine and heater for 10 minutes every hour to stay warm. Safety and Prevention Protecting your family and property before a flood: There are a number of preventative actions you can take to protect your home, family and personal property from a flood. Heed flood warnings Develop a family emergency plan and identify flood evacuation routes from home, work and school to safe locations on higher ground Assemble an emergency supply kit that includes such essentials as drinking water, a first-aid kit, canned food, a radio, flashlight, and blankets Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water lines Determine an emergency contact Store important objects and papers in a safe place to avoid damage Elevate your home to prevent floodwaters from reaching living areas. There are several methods of elevation that depend largely on your home’s construction, foundation and flood history. You should consult a construction professional to determine the right method for you. Elevate your electrical system components including circuit breaker boxes, meters and outlets. If they are inundated by water for even a short time, they will have to be replaced. Flooded electrical systems are also at risk for fires caused by short circuits. Anchor your fuel tank to prevent damage from tanks moved by floodwaters. Unanchored tanks can be driven into walls or swept downstream. A supply line can be torn free, allowing oil to contaminate your basement. Leaking propane is especially dangerous due to its flammable nature. Floodproof your home by sealing your basement with water resistant compounds Find out where you can purchase sandbags, or make and store your own For more information, please visit the FEMA website. During a flood: Go to higher ground and avoid areas subject to flooding such as dips, valleys and canyons Avoid areas that are already flooded and do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Even six inches of water can knock you off your feet. Never drive through flooded roadways. Two feet of rushing water can sweep a large car off the road. After a flood: Check for structural damage before re-entering your home, including downed electrical lines Remove wet contents immediately. Mold can develop in furniture, bedding and carpeting within 24 to 48 hours. Clean and disinfect everything that was touched by floodwaters. Throw away food and boil drinking water until authorities have declared tap water safe to drink. Flood Insurance Benefits of Flood Insurance: Flooding causes an average of $4.6 billion a year in damages, more than any other severe-weather related event in the United States. Flood losses are not covered by standard homeowner’s insurance policies. Most homeowner's insurance agents sell flood insurance, and you can find out if your community participates in the program by checking the FEMA Community Status Book for Washington State. The average flood insurance premium costs about $400 a year. National Flood Insurance Program: Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to help property owners protect themselves financially. The program offers insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners in communities that participate in the program. In exchange for federally-backed flood insurance, participating communities agree to adopt and enforce floodplain management standards. Community participation is voluntary, and to find out if your community participates, please check the FEMA Community Status Book for Washington State. In addition to providing insurance, the NFIP identifies and maps floodplains throughout the country. This allows the government, business owners, and homeowners to identify risk areas, reduce damages and increase awareness of flood hazards. If you are a resident of a designated High-Risk Area and you receive a federally-backed mortgage, federal law requires that you purchase flood insurance. Your mortgage lender will notify you if you are in a flood hazard zone that requires you to purchase flood insurance. Residents of Moderate-to-Low Risk Areas are not required by law to purchase insurance but it is a good idea to consider purchasing flood insurance, and a private lender may still require it. To determine if you are in a flood zone, you can check your community's Flood Insurance Rate Map at the FEMA Map Service Center. Your lender will notify you if you are buying a home in a High-Risk Area or if FEMA maps are revised to include your property in a High-Risk Area, in which case you would be required to purchase insurance. NFIP flood insurance can be purchased through property insurance agents through over 90 private companies. You cannot purchase insurance directly from the government. Rates are set and do not differ between companies, although there are different types of coverage and the costs vary depending on the property's flood risk. If you are interested in purchasing a flood insurance policy, contact your homeowner's insurance agent to discuss which kind of coverage is right for you. Typically, there is a 30-day waiting period before your policy goes into effect, which means that you must act to protect your property and family in advance of any flood threat. If you do not have an agent and would like to obtain more information about flood insurance policies, please visit the NFIP website. You can also contact the NFIP at (888) 379-9531 to request an agent referral. Assistance After a Flood Significant federal resources are available to help you in the aftermath of natural disasters. Assistance is administered in the form of direct aid or grants to individuals, families and businesses who have suffered losses that will not be covered by insurance. If your community experiences a flood, it does not automatically qualify for federal disaster assistance. Local and state governments share the responsibility for protecting their residents. However, if the damages caused by a natural disaster overwhelm local governments, a state governor may request a Presidential Disaster Declaration. Washington has received nine Disaster Declarations since 2001, of which six were related to flooding. Please keep in mind that federal disaster assistance is intended to be supplemental relief and should never be treated as a replacement for flood insurance. The average disaster award for an individual and household is $4,000, whereas the average flood claim per household is over $30,000. The most common form of disaster assistance is a loan, which must be paid back with interest. If you are interested in obtaining more information about disaster assistance, you can visit the federal disaster assistance website. By using the tools on this website, such as the disaster assistance questionnaire, you can find out the forms of assistance you may qualify for.
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